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Jan. 22', 1924. 1,481,428

C. V. M INTIIRE FURNACE RETORT Filed Jan. 26. 1921 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 i2." INVENTOR. m /fi 1% ATTORD Y Jan. 22, 1924.

C. V. M INTIREZ FURNACE RETORI' Filed Jan. 26. 1921 6 hea'ks shwi', 2

Jan. 22 1924.

. 1,481,428 C. V. M INTIRE FURNACE RETORT Filed Jan. 26. 1921 6 Sheets-$heet 5 mvmron g I I mam Jan. 22, 1924.

C. V. M INTIRE FURNACE RETORT a sheets-sheet 4.

Jim. 22, 1924 (2. V. M INTIRE FURNACE YRETORT 6 Sheec-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 26 1921 INVENTOR ZAP A TTORNEY C. V. M INTIRE FURNACE RETORT Jan. 22, 1924. 1,481,428

I Filed Jan. 26. 192i 6 ShGEI'hS ShBBfi 6 ATTORNEY-- Patented Jan. 22, 1924.

UNITED" STATES PATENT OFFltZE.

CHARLES V. MGINT IRE, OF EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY, ASfiIGNORTO INTERNATIONAL COAL PRODUCTS CORPORATION, OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, A COlEtT-EOlEtflTION O1 VIR- GINLA.

FURNACE RETOR-T.

Appiication'filed January 26, 1921.

T 0 all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, CHARLES V. MOINTIRE, a citizen of the United States, and-residentof East Orange, county of Essex, 'andState of New Jersey, have made certain new and useful Improvements in Furnace Retorts,

Number 233,422 filed 'Mavtl, 1918, covering inventions of Charles H. Smith and each ofwhich applications is entitled Furnaceretorts, there is shown and describeda furnace-retort construction having a retort into which coal is fed at one end, wherein the coal is agitated or mixed while being carbonized and,,at the same time, is conveyed along the retort from the charging end to the other or discharging end and progressively heated ;"it'rom whichthe vapors and gases are conducted as men off during the carbonization, and from the discharge end of which retort the partiallycarbonized residue leaves.

The present invention involves aturnaceretort of the same general type and for the same general purposes as each furnace-retort.

which is the basis of each of the aforesaid applications, but the present invention is particularly concerned with the special construction that provides the" retoi'tl, with the special construction that provides the furnace whereby the retort is heated, with the special construction whereby'preheated air is supplied to combustion-fines that collectively constitute the combustionchamber of the furnace and with the relationship and assemblage of parts whereby there is enabled to be realized a furnace-retort which is economical of construction, substantial, strong and easy to operate and control and to repair.

The present inventionalso involves a fur nace retort wherein the parts of the masonry that are more liable or likely to deteriorate by use form the bottom and lower side portions of the retort and can be repaired or Serial No. 439,925.

replaced with relative ease. The furnace construction and the retort construction are suchthat the exterior of said bottom and lower side portions of the retort can be easily observed and inspected at any time with the result that the heat conditions and general operatlve conditions of the more important parts of the retort shell are under the eye and subject to the control of the operator.

In the preferred embodiment of the in- 'venti on the furnace-retort is principally provided by a relatively permanent and fixed masonry structure which in the main defines the regenerative chambers, wherein the air to support combustionis preheated,

the furnace proper and the upper portion of the side walls of the retort proper.

Bricks of fire clay constitute animportant part of this fixed masonry structure. In

association with this ii'xed masonry structure there is employed a retort shell portion formed of assembled-in-place carborunduin tiles which provide the bottom and lower side portions of the shell of the retort. carborundum tiles define in part the combustion fines of the furnace proper. The coi1- struction is such that thesecarborunduin tiles can be inserted in place and can be removed and replaced without disturbing said relatively permanent and fixed masonry structure. It is through these assembled carborundum tiles that heat is conducted from the combustion fines to the coal being treatedwithin the retort and it is this portion of the retort shell wh ch is subjected to the worst and most intense heat conditions. This portion of the retort supports the charge while being agitated, mixed and conveyed and it is thereafter subjected to the hardest mechanical usage of any masonry portion of the retort.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the roof of the retort is composed of removable sections each of which spans the space from side wall to side wall and completes the carbonizing chamber of the retort. Access can be readily had to the retort chamber by removing any one or more ot the roof Also, in the preferred embodr l sections. ment of the lHVClllilOH, the combustion flues extend transversely and the full width of the space below the retort and each end of each combustion fine is in communication through a damper controlled opening with The an air regenerative chamber corresponding to the end of the flue. There is also provided a fuel supply for and leading to each end of each combustion flue. At one period fuel and heated air from a regenerative chamber enter at one end of a combustion flue; the fuel and heated air unite and the products of combustion flow in one direction through the flue and thence to another or second regenerative chamber. At the next or subsequent period air flows from the second regenerative chamber into the end which during the preceding period was the delivery end of the combustion flue where the air unites with fuel supplied at said end, and during this period the products of combustion flow through the combustion flue in a direction reverse to that in which the products of combustion flowed during the preceding period; and finally enter the first regenerative chamber.

The invention relates to a furnace retort having the novel features of construction above referred to and also having other novel and advantageous features of construction, all of which are herein clearly described and set forth, as will herein appear.

As showing a specific embodiment of the invention reference is made to the accom panying drawings forming a part of the specification, in which drawings,

Figure 1 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken as on the plane indicated by the line 11 of Figure 2 looking in the direction of the arrows. This view shows regenerative chambers with masonry checker work therein provided in the lower half of the furnace-retort structure and the furnace proper between the retort and the regen erative chambers. This figure shows a combustion flue of the furnace with the right hand end in communication with the regenerative chamber at the right and the left hand end in communication with the regenerative chamber at the left. At one interval or period the products of combustion flow toward the left and from the flue through a damper controlled passageway into the left hand regenerative chamber. This figure also shows the construction as being such that when one of the regenerative chambers is receiving the hot products of combustion air is flowing through the other regenerative chamber on its way to the combustion flue wherein it unites as it enters the combustion flue with fuel supply at the end where air enters. In Figure 1 there is also shown metal frame work that constitutes a part of the furnace-retort structure and there is also indicated an opening through which material is fed into the retort at one endthe charging endand also two shafts with paddles thereupon for agitating or mixing material within the retort and for feeding it along the retort.

Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal sec tional view of the furnace-retort structure of Figure 1. The lower half of Figure is an exterior view of the lower half of the furnace-retort structure, while the upper half of the figure is a sectional view taken as on the plane indicated by the broken line 2-2 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows. In Figure 2 there is shown in section means compri lug a screw-conveyer whereby residue discharged from the retort is conveyed therefrom. This figure also shows in cross-section the members providing the several combustion flucs that extend transversely of the furmicc-rctort structure. In the lower half of the figure there are shown eight pipes and valves whereby at one period air is admitted to one of the regenerative chambers and whereby at another period products of combustion are conducted from the same regenerative chambers and to a flue leading to a stack. One of the pipes and the valve used in conjunction therewith is shown in Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of the masonry of the furnaceretort structure. This view illustrates the several regenerative chambers in each side of the structure; also the relative arrangement of the regenerative chambers and the combustion flues. This is a view of the masonry taken as on the plane indicated by the line 233 of Figure 1 and also on the line 33 of Fi ure 4.

igure 4 is a horizontal longitudinal scctional view taken as on the plane indicated by the line t l of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view-horizontal longitudinal section-of the fuel supply passageways leading to the end of tilt combustion flues; also the damper controlled passageway between the coinlmstion fines and the regenerative chambers. The construction at each end of each combustion flue is the same.

l igures 6 and 7 are views of the piping and valves whereby when the valve is closed products of combustion are conveyed from a regenerative chamber and whereby when the valve is open air enters the piping and flows to the regenerative chamber. In these views there is also indicated the mechanism whereby the valve is operated or positioned.

Figure 8 is a vertical view looking at the charging end of the f1wince-retort. This view shows the valves and piping of Figure: 6 and 7 at each side of the lurnair-retort. two waste gas ducts into which the pipes conduct the products of combustion. and dampers, one for closing one duct at one period and the other for closing the other duct at another period.

Reference will now be made to the drawings in detail, in which 1 designates the reiasiaae proper 2. Below the furnaceproper there are located the regenerative chambers collectively indicated as 3, through some of which chambers,when heated, at one period .air flows on its way to the furnace and is preheated, and through the others of which chambers the products of combustion tlowing from the furnace pass preparatory to a reversal of the operations, as will hereinafter appear. which comprehends the retort proper, the furnace'proper, and the regenerator if such. is employed, has vertically and longitudinally extending main side walls t and 5, a vertically and transversely extending end wall 6 at the charging end, and a vertically and transversely extending end wall '7' at the discharge end. There are also a vertically and longitudinally extendingintermediate wall 8, and vertically and transversely extending intermediate walls 9 and 10. These longitudinally and transversely extending intermediate walls subdivide the space of the lower portion of the retort structure into two sets of regenerative chambers, to wit, regenerative chambers 11 along and within the right-hand half-of the furnace-retort structure and; regenerative chambers 12 along and within the left-hand half of the furnaceretort structure. Each of these regenerative chambers has a floor portion, as 13, and shelves as 14;, 15 and 16.

Upon each-floor and shelves there is supported a checker work, as 17, of fireclay brick constructed so that products of combustion fromthe furnace can pass at one period through the checker work in the regenerative chambers at the left-hand side of the furnace and so that at the same time air to be preheated can be passed inwardly through the checker work in the regenerative chambers at the right-hand side of the flll'l'ltlCQpPl'lOl to entering the combustion lines of the furnace.

The masonry structure of the furnace proper comprises what may be called the furnace floor which is a portion that extends longitudinally from end wall. to end wall and which in cross-section is U-shaped and has in effect a longitudinally extending cen trally located ridge (2. This U-shaped floor structure is supported on the longitudinally extending intermediate wall 8 and transversely extending intermediate walls 9 and 10. This U-shaped structure 18 has transversely extending members 19 of fire-clay grooved at their upper surface-moon which there are supported the carborundum tiles 20 that provide the bottom and lowermost side portions of the retort. These carborundum tiles 20 are readily assembled in place, can be removed with relative ease and hence may be refered to as replaceable tiles since The furnace-retort structure after removal they can be replaced, if in a satisfactory condition for that purpose, or can be replaced by other tiles of the same size and shape. Each of the tiles 20 is grooved on its underside and has depending flange portions 21 that give strength thereto and which provide the parts that directly rest upon the upward extensions of the grooved members 19. This construction is readily seen from an inspection of Figures 1 and3 and therefrom it will be observed that the grooved members and carborundum tiles provide a series of combustion flues,

each designated as 22, and each of which extends transversely of and the full width of the space below the retort. Each flue its full length. Each end of each combus- .tion fine is in communication with a regenershows the dampers 24 that can be positioned to regulate the opening through the passage has an unrestricted aassa ewa 1 throu 'hout t b l 2::

* shown in plan in Figure 5, which figure also way. i In Figure 5 taken in conjunction with Figure 1, there are also readily seen the fuel supply openings 25 provided with pipes 26 through which gas is supplied to the end of each flue. It will here be remarked, however, that when gas is being supplied to one end of a flue there is no gas being supplied to the other end of the line.

From Figure 1 it will be observed that each main side wall has as a part thereof and extending inwardly therefrom a longitudinally extending portion 27 that provides the side walls of the retort. The main side walls 4- and 5, the main end walls 6 and 7, the vertically and longitudinally extending intermediate wall 8, the vertically and transversely extending intermediate walls 9 and 10, the U-shaped floor structure 18 and the longitudinally extending portions or over hangs 27 collectively constitute what may be considered a relatively permanent and fixed masonry structure. This structure is in the main made of fire-clay brick, either of standard or special shape, but therein there has been incorporated heat insulating mate rial, indicated as at 28 and 29. Heat insulating material is also located, as at 30, in the regenerative floor portion 13.

A series of inwardly and downwardly extending openings 31 are arranged practi cally in line with the combustion fines 22 whereby the condition of the combustion fines can be observed through these inclined openings, when the covers 32 are open. ln other words, these openings 31 permit the operator to observe the exterior of the carborundum tiles that provide the bottom and lower side walls of the retort shell and also in part the combustion fines. The openings also permit the operator to keep close check on the operating conditions.

The roof of the retort is provided by a series of removable sections 33 (see Figures 1 and 2) each of which sections comprises an arched cast iron holding member 34 extending from the side wall or overhang 27 at one side of the furnace-retort structure to the side wall or overhang at the other side of the structure. WVithin this holding member 34 fire bricks are assembled whereby each roof section is a composite metallic masonry structure. The carborundum tiles 20, overhangs 27 and the roof formed of sections define the shell of the chamber wherein the dis tilling or ca-rbonizing operation is performed. It will also be noted that the shell of the retort, which is defined by the members just mentioned, may be considered as being of a modified inverted heart-shape. The retort may be referred to as being in cross-section in the form of a letter B arranged so that the curved portion of the B is lowermost and so that the back of the B is uppermost; the lower central portion of the retort shell has a longitudinally extending rib or ridge 35. Within the retort there is provided a pair of longitudinally extending cooperating shafts 36, 36 each arranged with four sets of paddles thereupon. Shaft 36 has two sets 37, 37 and two sets 38, 38. Shaft 36 has two sets 37, 37 and two sets 38, 38. Each paddle of each set 37 or 37 has a right hand slope and each paddle of each set 38, 38 has a left hand slope. In other words, the paddles of sets 37, 37 have an opposite handed slope to that of addles of sets 38, 38.

The siafts 36, 36 are geared together by intermeshing. gears, hereinafter referred to, so that the shafts rotate or turn in opposite directions relative to each other as, for ample, in the direction indicated by the arrow corresponding thereto. These shafts can be divided so that each will rotate or turn in a direction opposite to that indicated.

It will also be noted that the arrangement is such that when the shafts turn each in the direction indicated by its arrow, with the paddles of sets 37 and 38 in engagement with the material, there is a tendency to move it from the longitudinal central portion of the retort toward the sides and forwardly from the charging end toward the discharging end; and (b) with paddles of sets 38 and 37 in engagement with the material, there is a tendency to move the material from the longitudinal central portion but backwardly toward the charging end.

If the shafts should be turned, each in a direction the reverse to that indicated by the arows (a) with the paddles of sets 37 and 38 in engagement with the material, there is a tendency to move it toward the longitudinal central portion and backwardly toward the charging end; and (b) with the paddles of sets 38 and 37 in engagement with the material, there is a tendency to move it toward the longitudinal central portion and forwardly from the charging end toward the discharging end. The shafts are driven, as has been previously indicated and as will hereinafter appear, so that each can be turned at one time in the directions indicated by the arrows and at another time each in a reverse direction. It will therefore be manifest that with the arrangement of paddles described there is enabled to be realized any degree of mixing or agitating of the material Within the retort that may be desired, coupled with a control of the time which it will take to effect a conveyance of the material from the charging end to the discharging end of the retort. This reverse slope of the paddles on each shaft is not shown in the aforesaid applications for patents, Serial Nos. 217,764 and 233,422 and constitutes a feature of the present invention. It will be noted, however, that according to some aspects of the present invention there can be employed the shaft and paddle arrangement shown and described in said applications Serial Nos. 217,764 and 233,422.

The masonry of the furnace is braced by any suitable buck-stay and tie-rod construction which includes, for example, the vertical stays 39 at the sides and ends of the furnace and tie-rods 40 therefor. The upper ends of the stays at each end of the furnace-retort support transversely extending beams 41 which provide seats 42 for compression springs This end casting 44 carries suitable bearings 45 whereby the ends 46 of the paddle shafts are rotatably mounted. Each end casting 44 is supported by two rods 47, 47. The upper end of each rod 47 is screw-threaded and has thereupon a nut 48 that rests upon a cap 49 which in turn presses against or is seated upon the upper end of spring 43 corresponding thereto. By this arrangement the position of the shafts can be regulated and because the heads are yieldably supported by the springs the shafts are yieldably supported in place.

The feeding mechanism whereby material is conveyed to the charging end of the furnace is indicated by 50 and comprises a hopper 51 and screw 52 which extends along a closed conduit 53 leading from the hopper to the interior of the retort. This construction is shown in Figures 2 and 8. In Figure 8 there is indicated the mechanism whereby the shafts are driven, as from a reversing motor or any other suitable source of power. This driving mechanism includes a change speed gearing, as 54, reducing speed gearing, as 55, driven from the change speed gearing, a spur gear pinion indicated as at 56, and intermeshing spur gears 57, there being one of III 1 ,aanaee each of the gears 57 on the corresponding shaft 36. As previously indicated, the driving mechanism for these shafts is preferably constructed so that the shafts can be rotated I in either direction and to any extent desired;

that is, a part of a revolution in either direction, a whole revolution in either direction, or a number of revolutions in either direction, or any combination thereof An oil' shown provides a closed conduit with side of F igure 8) and waste gas duct 61 at the other side (left-hand side of Figure 1 or righthand side of Figure 8). Duct (3O 30 communicates by means of duct (52 with duct 63, while duct 61 communicates by means of duct Getuvith duct 63. Figures 1 and 8 are views looking from opposite directions.

In Figure 8, dampers and (36 are shown,

damper 65 for closing at one period waste gas duct (52 and damper (it; for closing at the succeeding period waste gas duct 64. When duct ()2 is closed duct (54tis: open and vice versa. Considering the damper 65 is. p0sitioned as shown in Figure 8 to close duct 62, then valves 67 of the pipe or piping (shown in detail in Figures 6 and 7 and which is arranged along the right-handside ot the furnace) are open (see Figure 1),

45 this having been efiierted by turning rod 68 (see Figures 1, (i and 7) so as to raise .arms 69 carried. thereby, the connecting rods 70 and levers 71 that are connected to the valve 67. At the same time the corresponding rod 68 at the opposite side of the furnace is turned--positionedso as to close a the valve 67 in the piping at that side. When the parts are positioned asjust de m scribed air enters the piping by flowing from the exterior past the open valves 67 into the piping to the lowermost portion of the regenerative chambers 11 at the right-hand side of the furnace, Figure 1. The air flowing through the checker work' within these several chambers, becomes heated the checkerwvorlr having been previously heatedflows upwardly through the passageways 23 past dampers 2 t into one end, as which may be considered the entrance end of a combustion flue 22 corresponding to the regenerative chamber. The air there unites with fuel which is supplied through piping 26, combustlon takes place and the products of combustion flow, as to the left, the full width of and below the carborundum tile portion of the retort shell, finally leavingthe combustion flue 22, flowing past the damper 2ft downwardly through passageway 23 into a regenerative chamber 12 to the flue at the left-hand side of the furnace. These waste products otcombustion flow through the regenerative chamber and. finally pass therefrom through the piping shown in detail in Figuresti and 7, the valve 67 of which is then closed, finally entering the duct 61 and flowing therett'rom through duct 61 and flowing therefrom through duct (i l: into duct (33 leading to the stack. In the next period the valves 67 at the right-hand side of the tru'nace-ii'etort are closed the valves 67 at the left-hand side are opened and the damper (36 is lowered to close duct 64- while the damper 65 is elevated. to open duct 62. When the dampers and valves occupy the positions just mentioned there is a reverse iiow through the regenerative chambers and coml'nistion fines and a cycle of operations similar to that yn'eviously described. takes place. Operators platforms 72are provided along and at each side of the furnace-retort.

The furmre-retmrt shown in Figure 1 has been particularly designed for use as a single unit construction, but it will be manifest that the invention herein is not limited to a construction wherein only a. single unit is employed.

it will be manifest from what has preceded that coal can be t'edinto one end of the retort; that it can be mixed or agitated to any desired degree while in the retort and that this can be effected while causing the coal to remain or be conducted through the retort in any predetern'iined length of time.

From an inspectionot Figure 1 it will be observei'l that the carborundum tiles are sesurely held in place regardless in which direction the shat'ts rotate and that there is provided means whereby a tight joint can be effected between the uppermost.portion of the carborundum tiles and thefoverhang 27 ot the main side walls. When the furnace is first built an expansion joint or space is provided between the overhang and the carborundum tiles to later. take care of the greater expansion of the carborundum tiles when the furnaceretort is functioning.

What is claimed is:

1. A furnace-retort wherein coal or the like is carbonized the retortchamber of which is provided in a longitudinally ere tending portion which in cross-section is the lower curved portions of the B providing the portion of the retort shell through which heat is conducted from combustion flues of the furnace to the material being treated within the retort chamber, said retort having means for feeding the material thereinto at one end, having parallel shafts with paddles thereupon for agitating and mixing material within the retort and for conveying material along the shell of the retort from the charging end to the opposite or discharging end, having means whereby the residue resulting from a carbonizing operation within the retort 'is conveyed from the discharging end of the retort, and having means for conducting away the gases and vapors given off during the carbonizing operation, the furnace-retort construction being characterized by having a relatively permanent masonry structure that provides longitudinally and inwardly extending overhangs that constitute the uppermost portions of the side walls of the retort, and by having the bottom and lowermost side portions of the retort clefined by a shell portion composed of readily assembled-in-place and readily removable carborundum tiles, which carborundum tiles define a portion of the combustion fines of the furnace and through which heat is conducted from the combustionj fines to the material within the retort, the furnace-retort also being characterized by having a roof of composite metallic masonry struc ture and formed in sections spanning the space from one side wall of the retort to the other side wall and constructed so that the sections can be readily removed and replaced without disturbing the permanent masonry structure.

2. A furnace-retort wherein coal or the like is carbonized, the retort of which has means for feeding the material therein at one end, has parallel shafts with paddles thereupon for agitating and mixing material within the retort and for conveying material along the interior of the retort from the charging end to the opposite or discharging end, has means whereby the residue resulting from a carbonizing operation within the retort is conveyed from the discharging end of the retort, and has means for conducting away the gases and vapors given off during the carbonizing operation, the furnace-retort construction being characterized by having a relatively permanent masonry structure that provides longitudinally and inwardly extending overhangs that constitute the uppermost portions of the side walls of the retort and by having the bottom and lowermost side portions of the retort defined by a shell portion composed of readily assembled-in-place and readily removable carborundum tiles. which carboruudum tiles also define a portion of the combustion fines of the furnace and through which. carborundum tiles heat is conducted from the combustion fines to the material within the retort.

3. A furnace-retort, the retort of which extends horizontally and longitudinally and in cross-section is in the form of a modified B positioned so that the curved portions of the B are lowermost and so that the back line of the B extends substantially horizontally, the furnace of which is provided in masonry that provides support for the retort and that provides a part of the side walls of the retort, said furnace-retort being provided with means for feeding coal or other material into the retort at one end thereof, with. longitudinally extending parallel shafts each with paddles thereupon and arranged so that the paddles of one shaft overlap the paddles on the companion shaft as the shafts rotate, which shaft and paddle construction constitutes a part of a mixing and conveying means whereby material within the retort is mixed and agitated and conveyed along the retort from the charging end to the discharging end, with means whereby the partially distilled residue is conveyed from the discharging end of the retort and with means for conducting away the vapors and gases given off during the distillation; the furnace retort being characterized by having vertically and transversely extending walls which support the bottom and also the low ermost side portions of the retort and which define the vertical walls of combustion lines that extend transversely of, immediately below, and the full width of the retort. and having means whereby air and fuel are supplied to each flue at one end thereof, and by having means whereby waste gases are conducted from each flue opposite the end to which air and fuel are supplied.

4. A furnace-retort for distilling coal or smokeless carbonaceous material therein provided with means for feeding coal or other material into the retort, with longitudinally extending parallel shafts each with paddles thereupon and arranged so that the paddles of one shaft overlap the paddles on the companion shaft as the shafts rotate, which shaft and paddle construction provides mixing and conveying means whereby material within the retort is mixed and agitated and conveyed along the retort, with means whereby the partially distilled residue is conveyed from the retort, and with means for conducting from the interior of the retort vapors and gases given off during the distillation, the furnace-retort being characterized by having vertically amltransversely extending walls which support the bottom and lowermost side portions of the retort shell and which define in part the vertical walls of unrestricted combustion lines thatextend transversely of, immediately be low, and the full width of the retort shell, and by having means whereby air and fuel are supplied to each flue at each end thereof, one end at one period and at the opposite end the succeeding period, the construe tion being such that waste gases are conduct ed from that end of each flue which is opposits the end to which {air and fuel are being supplied.

5. A furnace-retort for earbonizing coal or the like theretort of which extends hori- Zontally and )longitudinally and in cross section is in the form of amodified B positioned so that the curved portions of the B are lowermost and so that the back line of the B extends horizontally, the furnace of which is provided in a relatively permanent masonry that provides a support for a replaceable part of the retort and that pro vides the uppermost portion of the side walls of the retort, said fm'nace-retort being provided with means for feeding coal or other material into the retort at one end thereof, with conveying means comprising parallel shafts which extend through the retort, which shafts have paddles thereupon and are arranged so that the paddles of one shaft overlap the paddles on the comp-anion shaft as the shafts rotate, with means whereby the residue is conveyed from the retort, and with means for conducting away the vapors and gases given off during the carbonizing operation, the furnace-retort also having vertically and transversely extending walls upon which there rest a replaceable bottom and replaceable lowermost portions of the side walls of the retort shell, through which replaceable bottom and lowermost portions of the side walls heat is transmitted from the combustion. fines to the material in the retort, which flues are between or defined in part by said transverse walls and which replaceable bottom, and lowermost portions of the side walls extend the full length of the retortand transversely and upwardly to the under side of said upi permost portions of the side walls of the retort, there being in the furnace-retort an expansion joint between said uppermost portions of the side walls on the on hand and said replaceable lowermost portions of the side walls on the other hand.

6. A furnace-retort having vertically and transversely extending end walls, vertically and longitudinally extending main side walls, a furnace floor structure with a depressed central portion and upwardly extending side portions, a retort-shell portion extending from end wall to end wall and from side wall to side wall and formed of carborundum blocksor tiles assembled in place and supported on the floor structure, which floor structure and retort-shell portion of carborundum tiles are constructed so that combustion fines are provided which extend transversely and the full width of said retort-shell portioinand means for supplying fuel at each end of each combustion flue but to only one end: at a time, there being a damper controlled passageway for each end of each flue, the main side walls each being", provided with inwardly and downwardly inclined openings and arranged so that the heat conditions in each half of each combustion flue can be readily observed.

7. A furnaceeretort of the class described having a retort in which material is fed at one end, through. which material is conveyed and mixed and agitated as conveyed; by means of horizontally extending shafts with paddles thereupon, from which the residue is conveyed at the opposite or discharge end, and having means for withdrawing gases and vapors as given off, which furnace-re tort is characterized by having the roof of the retort formed of removable sections.

8. A furi'iacc-rctort having a relatively permanent masonry structure providing vertically and longitudinally extending side walls which define the uppermost side portions of the retort, means for feeding material into the interior of the retort at one end thereof, parallel shafts extending through the retort, each of which shafts carries paddles thereupon for mixing and conveying the material through the retort, means for conducting the residue from the discharge end of the retort, and means for conducting gases and vapors from the interior of the retort, said furnace-retort structure having removable roof sections, each spanning the space from one side wall to the other side wall and which removable sections when assembled in place collectively provide the roof of the retort.

9. A furnaceretort, the retort of which comprises a shell through which heat is conducted from the furnace to the material. within the retort, said retort having means for feeding material to he treated thereinto at one end, means for conducting material from the other end of the retortfmeans for mixing and agitating the material within the retort and for conveying it along the retort, and means for conducting gases and vapors from the interior of the retort, said furnaceretort being characterized byhaving removable roof sections constructed so that they normally close the retort when assembled in place but so that any one or more of the sections can be removed for ready access to the interior of the retort.

10. A furnace-retort, the retort of which is provided with mixing and conveying means comprising longitudinally extending shafts with paddles thereupon arranged so that the paddles on one shaft overlap and cooperate with the paddles on the companion shaft as the shafts rotate, the furnace of which has unrestricted combustion fiues ex tending the full width of and below the retort, the furnace-retort also having arranged in the masonary along the sides thereof downwardly and inwardly inclined openings through which conditions within the fines can be inspected.

11. A furnace-retort, the retort of which is of inverted heart shape in cross-section and has therein parallel longitudinally extending shafts with paddles thereupon for agitating and mixing the material within the retort and for conveying it along the retort, the furnace having unrestricted fines extending transversely the full width of the retort, means for supplying fuel to each end of each combustion flue and valves whereby when the fuel is supplied to one end of a combustion fine it can be shut off from the other end, the furnace structure having passageways leading to or from each end of each combustion flue and a damper for regulating the opening in each passageway.

12. A furnace-retort structure having a retort, a furnace and a regenerator, the retort being of inverted heart shape in crosssection having longitudinally extending parallel shafts arranged with paddles thereupon for mixing or agitating the material within the retort and for conveying it along the retort, the regenerator being provided by a series of regenerative chambers some of which are arranged along the longitudinal right-hand side of the retort and some of which are arranged along the longitudinal left-hand side of the retort, the furnace having a number of combustion flues extending transversely of and below the retort for heating the material therein, each end of each combustion flue being in communication with a regenerative chamber corresponding thereto through a damper-com trolled opening, and means for supplying fuel to each end of each combustion flue,

to one end at a time.

A furnace-retort having a longitudinally extendingretort with a series of combustion lines extending the full width of and below the retort, the furnace-retort structure having a series of regenerative chambers arranged along the left-hand half thereof, each end of each combustion flue being in communication witha corresponding regenerative chamber through a dampercontrolled passageway, each end also having means for supplying fuel thereto when heated air is flowing from the regenerative chamber into that end of the combustion flue.

14:. A furnace-retort within the retort of which coal or the like is distilled, having means for feeding coal into the retort at one end thereof, means for conveying the residue from the other end of the retort, means for mixing or agitating the coal and for conveying it from the charging end of the retort to the discharging end thereof, and means for conducting gases and 'apors from the interior of the retort, the mixing and conveying means comprising parallel shafts with paddles thereupon arranged so that the paddles on one shaft cooperate with and overlap the paddles of the companion shaft as the shafts rotate, said mixing and conveying means being characterized by having the paddles of each shaft arranged in a plurality of sets in certain of which sets the paddles have a right-hand slope and in others of which the paddles have a lefthand slope.

15. A fm-nace-retort within the retort of which coal or the like is distilled, having means for feeding coal into the retort at one end thereof, means for conveying the residue from the other end of the retort, means for mixing o1- agitating the coal and for conveying it from the charging end of the retort to the discharging end thereof, and means for conducting gases and vapors from the interior of the retort, the mixing and conveying means comprising parallel shafts with paddles thereupon arranged so that the paddles on one shaft cooperate with and overlap the paddles of the companion shaft as the shafts rotate, said mixing and conveying means being characterized by having the paddles of each shaft arranged in a plurality of sets in certain of which sets the paddles have a right-hand slope and in others of which the paddles have a lefthand slope, the furnace-retort also being provided with means whereby each shaft can be reversely driven.

16. A furnace-retort within the retort of which coal or the like is subjected to a carbonizing or distilling operation, which retort has therein mixing and conveyil'ig means comprising a plurality of shafts with overlapping paddles thereupon arranged in sets, the paddles of certain sets being sloped so that when the shafts are driven in a certain direction the material within the retort is moved forwardly along the retort, the paddles in others of these sets being sloped in an opposite direction so that when the shafts are reversely driven the material within the retort is also moved forwardly along the retort, the furnace-retort being provided with means whereby the reverse movement can be imparted to each shaft.

17. A furnace-retort within the retort of which coal or the like is subjected to a carbonizing or distilling operation and having means for feeding coal into the retort at one end thereof, cooperating shafts with paddles thereupon extending along the interior of the retort, means for withdrawing gases and vapors from the interior of the retort, means for conducting the residue from the discharge end of the retort, the furnace-re loo tort being provided with means for rotating the shafts, each shaft having thereupon a set of paddles arranged so that the paddles in that set have a right-hand slope and another set of paddles arranged so that the paddles in that set have a left-hand slope.

18. A furnaceretort of the class described, into the retort of which material is fed at one end, within which retort the ma terial thus fed is mixed or agitated and conveyed along the retort to the other or discharge end, from which discharge end the residue is finally delivered, and from which retort vapors and gases are withdrawn as given off during the mining and conveying of the material within the retort, which furnace-retort is characterised by having a relatively permanent masonry structure which provides the longitudinally extending uppermost portion of each side wall of the retort and by having a retort shell portion of assembled carborundum tiles that collectively define the bottom and lowermost portion of the side walls of the retort, through which assembled carborundum tiles heat is transmitted by conduction from combustion fines of the furnace to the material within the retort.

19. A furnace-retort or the class e scribed, into the retort of which material is fed at one end, within which retort the material thus ted is mixed or agitated and conveyed along the retort to the other or discharge end, from which discharge end the residue is finally delivered, and from which retort vapors and gases are withdrawn as given off during the mixing and conveying of the material within the retort, which furnace-retort construction is characterized by having a relatively permanent masonry structure providing the uppermost portions of the side walls or the retort and by having a retort shell portion of assembled-in-place carborundum tiles that define the bottom and lowermost portions or the side walls or the retort, which assembled-iuplace carborundum tiles extend from the permanent masonry structure at one side to the permanent masonry structure at the other side and through which carborundurn tiles heat is transmitted by conduction from combustion dues of the furnace to the material within the retort, the furnace-retort having along each side an expansion joint between the relatively permanent portions which provide the uppermost portion of a side wall of the retort and the assembled-inplace carborundum tiles.

20. A furnace-retort of the class described, the retort of which is provided with a mixing and conveying means in the term of parallel shafts with paddles thereupon and constructed and arranged so as to convey material along the interior of the re tort, which furnace-retort is characterized by having a permanent masonry structure that provides the uppermost portion or each side wall of the retort, by having a retort shell portion of assembled-in-place carborundum tiles through which heat is trans mitted to the material within the retort, which assembled-in-place carborundurn tiles provide the bottom and lowermost side portions of the retort and extend from said fixed uppermost portion at the other side of the retort.

This specification signed this 25th day or January, A. D. 19%..

till 

